Builders are being laid off in Christchurch despite predictions of a major skills shortage in six to 12 months.
The industry estimates up to four times the current number of workers will be needed to rebuild the city.
The Master Builders Association says Christchurch will have to compete with demand in Auckland - where 40,000 leaky homes have to be fixed - as well as Queensland and Japan which also desperately need skilled tradespeople.
Chief executive Warrick Quinn says such a shortage could lead to a very slow recovery as well as a huge rise in the cost of building materials and labour.
He says the situation is sadly ironic, given many builders are currently out of work as they wait for rebuilding to begin.
